Definitions.

As used in this act:

(1) “Certificate” means a computer-based record which:

(a) Identifies the certification authority.

(b) Identifies the subscriber.

(c) Contains the subscriber’s public key.

(d) Is digitally signed by the certification authority.

(2) “Certification authority” means a person who issues a certificate.

(3) “Digital signature” means a type of electronic signature that transforms a message using an asymmetric cryptosystem such that a person having the initial message and the signer’s public key can accurately determine:

(a) Whether the transformation was created using the private key that corresponds to the signer’s public key.

(b) Whether the initial message has been altered since the transformation was made.

A “key pair” is a private key and its corresponding public key in an asymmetric cryptosystem, under which the public key verifies a digital signature the private key creates. An “asymmetric cryptosystem” is an algorithm or series of algorithms which provide a secure key pair.

(4) “Electronic signature” means any letters, characters, or symbols, manifested by electronic or similar means, executed or adopted by a party with an intent to authenticate a writing. A writing is electronically signed if an electronic signature is logically associated with such writing.